Key Takeaways from Shane Beamer's First Weekly Press Conference of the Season
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer met with the media on Tuesday afternoon for his first weekly press conferene of the 2025 season. In typical Beamer fashion, the conversation ranged from last weekend's scrimmage to punting performance, and even whether or not his wife bakes cookies the "right" way. Here are the key highlights from Beamer's remarks.
Player Updates
- Rahsul Faison: No update yet on the running back’s NCAA eligibility. Faison missed Sunday’s practice with a bruised shoulder from Saturday’s scrimmage but returned to the field today. Beamer said he is hoping for good news soon and reiterated his respect for the NCAA process.
- Injuries: No new major injuries that will keep players out of the season opener. Freshman defensive end Kobby Sakyi-Prah is sidelined with a lower-body injury that will an extended amount of time to heal. Defensive back Jackson Burger will also miss an extended period with injury.
- Jackson Repp: The tight end is coming off a knee injury. He needs more work in the weight room before contributing, but Beamer noted his impressive seven-on-seven performance last summer.
Notes on the Offense and Defense:
- Running Back and Receiver Depth: Beamer believes this is the best depth he’s had at those positions since arriving at South Carolina. Beamer noted that they are re all eager to get touches.
- Quarterback Room: Behind starter LaNorris Sellers and backup Luke Doty, Cutter Woods and Air Noland have been making strong impressions. Beamer is encouraged by the talent and st4eady improvement at the QB position.
- Nick Harbor’s Focus on Football: The former two-sport athlete made the difficult decision to give up track and fully commit to football this season. Beamer said Harbor has improved greatly and is “having fun” on the field.
Scrimmage and Special Teams:
- In last Saturday’s scrimmage, the offense ran 117 plays without any turnovers. Beamer noted that several of the younger players stepped up and made plays as well.
- Beamer praised the team’s punting and kicking, noting several improvement in the return game. Overall, Beamer said he is “generally pleased” with the progress of the special teams.
Program and Staff Notes:
- Blanchard Partnership: Beamer offered high praise for the Blanchard family and their contributions to the program. He also expressed his appreciation for the exposure of the program from the recent Netflix series, Any Given Saturday.
- Staff Chemistry: Beamer said the offensive staff dynamic is “very good,” and there is great communication between himself and offensive analyst Mike Shula. Beamer called Shula “a great human being and big-time coach.”
- Cookie Debate: In a lighter moment of the press conference, Beamer playfully defended his wife against critics of her cookie-baking style.
The South Carolina Gamecocks open the 2025 season with a solid depth chart, improving on special teams and boasting a healthy roster on both sides of the ball. With some key playmakers returning from injury and some new faces stepping up, Beamer's squad is aiming to carry the momentum from a strong preseason into Week 1.